The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (August 2) closely monitoring the active Zika virus transmission reported in an area in Florida, the United States (US), and urged the public to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures and safe sex during travel. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should not travel to affected areas.

According to the Florida Department of Health, local transmission was first confirmed in four cases on July 29. Upon epidemiological investigations, contact tracing and laboratory testing, regarding two cases in a community area in Miami-Dade County, one confirmed and three probable cases (close contacts) as well as six positive but asymptomatic cases (community individuals) were detected, adding up to 14 persons affected.

"We noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the US had issued travel guidance in response to persistent mosquito populations and additional human cases in the same area. As there is a risk of continued active transmission in that area, the CDC recommended pregnant women not to travel to the area," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"We will continue to maintain close liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments," the spokesman said.

To prevent Zika Virus Infection, in addition to general anti-mosquito measures, the DH draws the public's attention to the special notes below:

A. Travelling abroad

If going to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission (affected areas), travellers, especially those with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should arrange consultation with a doctor at least six weeks before the trip, and take extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites;

Those arriving from affected areas should apply insect repellent for at least 21 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, such as having a fever, seek medical advice as soon as possible, and provide travel details to the doctor;

Travellers should consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else condoms should be used;

Travellers returning from affected areas should consider abstinence for at least two months upon return, or else condoms should be used. If diagnosed with Zika Virus Infection or having compatible symptoms, they should consider abstinence for at least six months upon onset, or else condoms should be used;

B. Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy

Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy should not travel to affected areas. Those who must travel should seek medical advice from their doctor before the trip, adopt contraception if appropriate, strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip, and consult and reveal their travel history to their doctor if symptoms develop after the trip;

Women preparing for pregnancy are advised to continue to adopt contraception for at least two months after returning from affected areas if they have no symptoms of Zika Virus Infection, or six months if one or both members of the couple are symptomatic;